Bartok - String Quartet nr. 4

I continued with the Fourth Quartet in the 1981 performance of the Juilliard Quartet, which I didn't like at all. It sounds dry and disjointed. I don't think I'll spend more time with this set as it is so disappointing. Then the 1970s Vegh recording, which is a good deal better. As in the Third, the Vegh strike me as robust, earthy and very authoritative. But I must say I still prefer the pyrotechnics of the Belcea (say "Beltsja"), which really make the most of this quartet. I listened again to their version as well and it is a thrilling performance, savage at times but without roughing the beauty of the melodic lines (when they're there). I already look forward to their take on the late quartets.